Charlie joined the Club as an U15 player following spells with both Manchester City and Liverpool. He is a ball-playing centre back who is comfortable in possession and shows great leadership qualities for a player of his age. He made 14 starts for the U18s in the 2020/21 campaign as Kieran Driscoll’s side retained the Professional Development League North title, and became National Champions at The Valley in May. Ahead of the 2021/22 season, Hughes was named as captain of the U18s, and later signed his first professional deal at the DW Stadium just one month into the second year of his apprenticeship.